NZ Vs PAK Match Highlights

In the Tri-Series between New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the hosts beat the Green Team by 9 wickets. Earlier, on Saturday, Pakistan had beaten Kiwi by 6 wickets. With this convincing victory, Pakistan and New Zealand both won 2 matches. Bangladesh is at the bottom with victory.

Pakistan’s Innings

In their 20 overs, NZ used all of their available spin options to restrict Pakistan to 130 for 7. Before Santner and Sodhi made crucial catches for New Zealand, Bracewell set the tone with 2 for 11 in his four overs. This is the first finished T20I innings in New Zealand without a six in 77 matches.

The spinners from New Zealand were frugal. They took significant wickets down the middle and dried out the boundaries. Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Ish Sodhi take 5 wickets together. Tim Southee took a few wickets and gave up nothing in the final over. So, a resounding victory for the hosts and some reflection for Pakistan.

New Zealand’s Reply

Pakistan was put out of the battle early on thanks to Finn Allen and Devon Conway’s opening partnership. Allen scored his second fifty in a Twenty20 match, which included several huge hits over the fence. Conway finished with an unblemished 49 despite being more reserved. But when Pakistan batted in the first innings, the outcome of the game was effectively decided.

What Captains Said

Babar Azam, the losing captain looked disappointed. He said, “First innings the pitch was a bit slow, we weren’t up to the mark. We have a day off tomorrow so we’ll discuss our mistakes. We had a bad day with the bat, it wasn’t up to the mark.”

Kane Williamson, talked about the team’s outing today. He looked impressed with team’s performance. He said, “An improvement from the last game. A really efficient first half. We were limited with our seam bowling options. On this sort of wicket it was about being disciplined with the lines and lengths. He (Finn Allen) has been hitting the ball well. He batted beautifully today. It’s important we keep assessing the conditions. We want to keep improving every day.

Player of the Match Comments

Michael Bracewell receives Player of the Match Award. He talked about his performance. He said,  “Slightly different role today bowling in the Powerplay. Pretty happy with the way it came out today. Got a bit fortunate in the first over. I’m really enjoying my role in trying to provide some quality overs. If you can try and contain players like Finn Allen in the nets you are half way there. I would like to have a hit (with the bat) but the sides doing well if I’m not batting.”

The next match of the series is between New Zealand and Bangladesh on Wednesday.